Saint Matthew

Zoom Presentation by Leslie Baer Dinkel

Executive Director of Xela Aid

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83944228899

Meeting ID: 839 4422 8899

Leslie Baer Dinkel is Executive Director of Local Hope, known in Guatemala Xela AID Partnerships for Self Reliance founded almost 30 years ago by Leslie with Father Peter Hickman and parishioner Bob Rook when a delegation from St. Matthews Church headed to Guatemala during that country’s civil war to provide medical care and meet other critical needs. Leslie’s new book, Hope Dancing: Finding Purpose and a Place to Serve Among the Maya, chronicles the trials of founding the organization against a backdrop of war, and the insights gained along the way. From the publisher, “If you’ve ever despaired at the state of the world or doubted the power we each have to profoundly change lives for the better, you must read this story of how a handful of like minded friends changed the course of tens of thousands of lives in Guatemala.” 

Prior to founding Xela AID, Leslie served with project that provided food for the indigent on Skid Row in Los Angeles, and was a regional volunteer coordinator for Mother Teresa’s Co-Workers of Charity. Besides her new book, she has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines, hosted radio programs, and produced an award-winning film that raised funds to stop the genocide of a tribal people in the Amazon rainforest. 

Leslie holds a Masters Degree in Communications, who has led Marketing efforts for several large non-profit organizations, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. She has been honored for her humanitarian service by the United States Congress, the California Senate, the Guatemalan Consulate, and most recently was honored with Rotary’s District Governor Award of Service.